I bought the 899 for a grand at Bass Pro and it's a good unit. But my biggest mistake was reading online reviews and going to Bass Pro.The guy that's on here all the time (cant remember his name) that sells the units knows more than all the reviews and Bass pro combined.If you go to Bass pro go on a Sunday to the one in Garland. There is a older man there named Doug Yates and he knows a whole lot about both brands.I found out from these guys that my 899 has HD on the unit,but it's really not an HD unit. The screen is but not the transducer.If I had known that I would have purchased the 999 unit.HB support is some of the best. Thee unit is really easy to work on the move with a rod in your hand.The screen is ok,water stains alot, makes it hard to see. And the sun, good luck on that.dang i didn't notice that you were in S A.

put a Garmin in the dash, then a bird and lowrance on ram mounts. Then you have it all.. and if you cant decide between a PP or a Talon put one on each side and then you can decide which is the best. (and what ever you dont like I will take off your hands) Haha just kidding. I went with Birds bc my budget allowed me to get more screen size for the dollar and they do not go "out of date" as fast as lowrance. I am far from an expert but bird is great until it gets down to 2d sonar then I think lowrance takes the cake.

Great Question, Been strictly Lowrance guy for 35 years. Have HDS10 & HDS8 both Gen 1 now. HDS 10 failed under warranty. Sent to Lowrance, little over 2 weeks turn around. Didn't refund shipping charges for defective unit under warranty. Fished Rayburn Bass Cat tourney 4-2&3. Got caught in rain. Next morning HDS 8 wouldn't power up-water intrusion. Called Lowrance customer service first thing last Monday 4-6-15. Lady said we don't repair Gen 1, have to upgrade to Gen 2 for $499. OK, send me Gen 2, will send you my dead unit-here is credit card #. Oh no sir, 2-3 weeks. WTF Fished today with 8" hole in console wondering why I have (had) Lowrance unit and poor customer service. Fished with buddy last year on Rayburn, he had big Birds. I could tell no difference in imagery. Good looking units! Lowrance does have N2K network to Merc, not sure bout the birds. Birds are much easier to unplug and remove. Lowrance customer service is terrible. Gonna buy new rig in 2017 and probably put Birds on. Got about $4K of Lowrance electronics on Cat, I expect service and support from Lowrance! So to answer your question, Lowrance and Hummingbird units are very comparable. Lowrance units cost more and support is much worse! Now I will go take my meds.

My sales rep told me yesterday that the ship just pulled into port with the Garmin units.....

Lowrance warranty work goes to Mexico.....

Humminbird...

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